Don't look. Not for the weak or faint of Heart. Blackland Sabre...

@Str8on2 , what it all boils down to is, if it makes you happy, buy it. It's a hobby, and it should be fun. Not everyone approaches this shaving hobby in the same way, or understands others views of it.
I hope I didn't confuse anyone more.

@Str8on2 , what it all boils down to is, if it makes you happy, buy it. It's a hobby, and it should be fun. Not everyone approaches this shaving hobby in the same way, or understands others views of it.
I hope I didn't confuse anyone more.

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Agreed. That's what it all boils down to. Trust me my friend I'm not on a crusade to defend one or the other. Just stating my personal view is all. I've always believed in the age old saying "live and let live" and everything will take care of itself. Yes what makes you happy and a hobby that we all love, we do as we please and what seems fit for our individual tastes and needs. If I came across as being abrasive, that was not my intention amigo. And my apologies to you and those members that I quoted in this post if it came across as that. Happy shaves!

I think some of us still like to ask the question, " why does it have to be so expensive ?" It isn't to argue the point or to dissuade anyone from buying the razors. Lol we really want to know. My personal opinion... they sell because people buy. we help them market the razors and hype it up. Lol we create the frenzy.. they don't even have to market these things, we do it for them. I like looking at the modern razors, but they have priced me out. I either have to wait until the secondary market starts selling cheap or not get it. Others are on the list, pre-ordered , calendar marked, sotd on stand by. In the end a hobby we all enjoy our own way.

@Str8on2 , what it all boils down to is, if it makes you happy, buy it. It's a hobby, and it should be fun. Not everyone approaches this shaving hobby in the same way, or understands others views of it.
I hope I didn't confuse anyone more.

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what would make me happy is obtaining a ever ready stramline razor at honest cost

All opinions, some maybe right, some maybe wrong. I'm not here to say or pick a side. I pick my own, because at the end of the day I bet on me, period. Before I go on waxing poetic on this subject of high priced blade holders, because that's in essence what every single razor known to man is, minus the straight, I would like to quote what an individual said in another forum concerning this same issue in responding to a fellow member about the cost and high prices and such of the modern day razor whether DE, SE, Gem and whatever else may be available:
Member "A" said:
"I don't think any of the new GEM style razors are going to change wet shaving at all. The old GEM style razors will shave just the same as the new ones (some more/less aggressive than others). People are just upgrading from a Model T GEM style razor to something more modern IMO."

Member "B" responded:
"You're not really wrong, but that exact logic applies to every single item in wet shaving. Soaps still work like soaps, blades are still sharp, brushes still lather, aftershave still smells nice, straight razors haven't changed, etc. New options aren't here to make the old ones obsolete, but to add to the experience by introducing a new take on an old idea. Modern and vintage gear both bring something to the table and most dens have room for a bit of both."

My $0.02 is this. We all have tried vintage and new, some preferring vintage over modern and vice versa. Regardless of the reason, we have a group that likes to spend big bucks on moderns, a group that spends big bucks on vintage. Then we have the flip side, those that are cheap/frugal with modern razors, and those that are cheap/frugal with vintage razors.
I ask all you gents this, which side is right/wrong? Mr. Ritz, who has to have the newest unobtanium known to man because it's his right to feel free to spend as he pleases on the tool of his choice? OR.... Is it Mr. Cheapo who minimizes his expense because at the end of the day it is just a razor and I don't need something new at a higher expense because my old whatever gets the job done just as good if not better than those new fangled metal ones?

I think there is only one true answer, anyway you try to slice it. Perhaps either one of you gents can come up with a sound, logical explanation to your particular stance on the subject that can bridge this divide on what is wrong or right or why it does or doesn't make sense to do whatever it is that we do, on both sides of the fence.

CHOICE. Because you can make it and so can I. Everything else is irrelevant. Like I stated before, just my $0.02.
Oh boy, here we go......

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The only group that bugs me are those who spend big bucks on vintage razors they don't use. And please don't respond with "people can do whatever they want bla bla" that's obvious (and annoying). Speculators and collectors of this stripe do make it harder for shaving enthusiasts by driving up prices, and I'd rather have a beer with the latter than the former, enthusiasts make forums like this far more interesting than they would be if all that was discussed was what you had sitting in a drawer.

The only group that bugs me are those who spend big bucks on vintage razors they don't use. And please don't respond with "people can do whatever they want bla bla" that's obvious (and annoying). Speculators and collectors of this stripe do make it harder for shaving enthusiasts by driving up prices, and I'd rather have a beer with the latter than the former, they make forums like this far more interesting than they would be if all that was discussed was what you had sitting in a drawer.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

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I second your thoughts on those that buy & collect vintage just to have them sit and admire in some drawer or chest and speak of them on an occasion or two. But the same can be said also for those who purchase the newest razor with all the bells and whistles, use them once, only to display them in their den and again another conversation piece. Why even bother making a purchase on either a vintage or modern razor and not put it to use? Just to say I have one of those and it looks beautiful? The lure for me is how does it shave and feel. Figuring out the angle and a razors particular characteristics. Each razor that I own, vintage and modern all have their own personalities that I enjoy in exploring and getting to know their unique capabilities. Do I spend some greenbacks every once in a while? Of course, it's a hobby that I love and get great satisfaction from, as many do here also. And as you stated correctly, I enjoy a brewski and sparking up a conversation with a couple bro's who enjoy this hobby of ours as much as I do.

I second your thoughts on those that buy & collect vintage just to have them sit and admire in some drawer or chest and speak of them on an occasion or two. But the same can be said also for those who purchase the newest razor with all the bells and whistles, use them once, only to display them in their den and again another conversation piece. Why even bother making a purchase on either a vintage or modern razor and not put it to use? Just to say I have one of those and it looks beautiful? The lure for me is how does it shave and feel. Figuring out the angle and a razors particular characteristics. Each razor that I own, vintage and modern all have their own personalities that I enjoy in exploring and getting to know their unique capabilities. Do I spend some greenbacks every once in a while? Of course, it's a hobby that I love and get great satisfaction from, as many do here also. And as you stated correctly, I enjoy a brewski and sparking up a conversation with a couple bro's who enjoy this hobby of ours as much as I do.

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Absolutely. I pointed the finger at vintage hoarders only because I don't really hear people say "I have a Wolfman I haven't used". But same applies. I don't think you can have the same appreciation for a razor you haven't, shall we say, been intimate with.

Absolutely. I pointed the finger at vintage hoarders only because I don't really hear people say "I have a Wolfman I haven't used". But same applies. I don't think you can have the same appreciation for a razor you haven't, shall we say, been intimate with.

The only group that bugs me are those who spend big bucks on vintage razors they don't use. And please don't respond with "people can do whatever they want bla bla" that's obvious (and annoying). Speculators and collectors of this stripe do make it harder for shaving enthusiasts by driving up prices, and I'd rather have a beer with the latter than the former, enthusiasts make forums like this far more interesting than they would be if all that was discussed was what you had sitting in a drawer.

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If it helps, 1) I don't spend big bucks, and 2) most of the ones I've bought are going back out again. I bought them for the fun of getting them, playing with them, finding out about them, and trying to make them work again. (thus the carbon fiber tube handles)

So, if anyone sees something I have that they like - ask. The worst that would happen is I say "No, I'm keeping that one". The next worst would be "You'll have to wait till I'm done." I think that many of the people with insane amounts are the same way. If someone says "I really want that!", it'll be judged by relative desire. The worst that can happen is that the person asked will say "Not for sale." (for example, if you asked me for my J. A. Henckels straight, the answer would be "Not a chance")

Here's another one from PAA. The Starling SE (prototype). I just saw it on their FB page. It looks aluminum, but not sure. Pins secure the blade from the inside of the plate head. As you can see, no blade stops externally. Interesting, perhaps under $50 if it comes to fruition?

Here's another one from PAA. The Starling SE (prototype). I just saw it on their FB page. It looks aluminum, but not sure. Pins secure the blade from the inside of the plate head. As you can see, no blade stops externally. Interesting, perhaps under $50 if it comes to fruition?

All opinions, some maybe right, some maybe wrong. I'm not here to say or pick a side. I pick my own, because at the end of the day I bet on me, period. Before I go on waxing poetic on this subject of high priced blade holders, because that's in essence what every single razor known to man is, minus the straight, I would like to quote what an individual said in another forum concerning this same issue in responding to a fellow member about the cost and high prices and such of the modern day razor whether DE, SE, Gem and whatever else may be available:
Member "A" said:
"I don't think any of the new GEM style razors are going to change wet shaving at all. The old GEM style razors will shave just the same as the new ones (some more/less aggressive than others). People are just upgrading from a Model T GEM style razor to something more modern IMO."

Member "B" responded:
"You're not really wrong, but that exact logic applies to every single item in wet shaving. Soaps still work like soaps, blades are still sharp, brushes still lather, aftershave still smells nice, straight razors haven't changed, etc. New options aren't here to make the old ones obsolete, but to add to the experience by introducing a new take on an old idea. Modern and vintage gear both bring something to the table and most dens have room for a bit of both."

My $0.02 is this. We all have tried vintage and new, some preferring vintage over modern and vice versa. Regardless of the reason, we have a group that likes to spend big bucks on moderns, a group that spends big bucks on vintage. Then we have the flip side, those that are cheap/frugal with modern razors, and those that are cheap/frugal with vintage razors.
I ask all you gents this, which side is right/wrong? Mr. Ritz, who has to have the newest unobtanium known to man because it's his right to feel free to spend as he pleases on the tool of his choice? OR.... Is it Mr. Cheapo who minimizes his expense because at the end of the day it is just a razor and I don't need something new at a higher expense because my old whatever gets the job done just as good if not better than those new fangled metal ones?

I think there is only one true answer, anyway you try to slice it. Perhaps either one of you gents can come up with a sound, logical explanation to your particular stance on the subject that can bridge this divide on what is wrong or right or why it does or doesn't make sense to do whatever it is that we do, on both sides of the fence.

CHOICE. Because you can make it and so can I. Everything else is irrelevant. Like I stated before, just my $0.02.
Oh boy, here we go......

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Cool post! I think of shaving now as a hobby and an experience. Whatever anyone wants to spend on their hobby/shaving is a choice. That's why it's a hobby, and we all enjoy and choose to pursue different aspects of it. Jay Leno CHOOSES to spend big bucks on cars...some folks like the shade tree mechanic aspect of car collecting. And I don't think wealth disparity has anything to do with it. Leno could collect less expensive cars, and we all know ppl who aren't millionaires who have major bucks into prized hobby collectables. That's why I enjoy the whole gang here on TSD...I learn something from everyone.
I'd give ya a nickel for your $.02 worth! Happy shaving!

I have 4 shaves in with the Blacklands Sabre and it has been a joy to shave with. Elegant, classic and modern design paired with a tried and trued GEM blade has provided smooth and efficient shaves every time... My full write up and review coming up soon.

Another thread revival:
Confirmed from Blackland Razors that the Level 2 baseplate will be done today and will be ready for Monday or Tuesday of next week. Also an inkwell stand for the Sabre will be set and good to go.... Oh Yeah!

Another thread revival:
Confirmed from Blackland Razors that the Level 2 baseplate will be done today and will be ready for Monday or Tuesday of next week. Also an inkwell stand for the Sabre will be set and good to go.... Oh Yeah!